The Sir John Colfox Academy
77%
Capacity
792
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About The Sir John Colfox Academy
The Sir John Colfox Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 792 pupils on roll, operating at 77% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Sir John Colfox Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Adam Shelley, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.01 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1485th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 20 in Dorset.
The Sir John Colfox Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 160 applications for 122 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 118 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Sir John Colfox Academy include Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Library, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Theatre, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Basketball, Swimming, Gymnastics and 6 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Film Club, Drama, Eco Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.8%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dorset, The Sir John Colfox Academy is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ridgeway, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3DT |
| Headteacher | Adam Shelley |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 792 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.8% |
| School Capacity | 792 / 1,024 (77% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Sept 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 23 Apr 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.01)
1485th of 3,141
Nationally
141st of 306
In South West
7th of 20
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.3
'22/23
29.8
'23/24
28.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed122
160
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
118 families put this school as their 1st choice (74% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sir John Colfox Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Ridgeway, Bridport
Dorset, DT6 3DT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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